Shanghai has inaugurated its annual Yuyuan Lantern Festival, launching an expansive celebration that for the first time extends beyond its traditional Yuyuan Garden venue to incorporate multiple zones near The Bund. The festival commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, and will continue through March 3, transforming the city’s historic districts into a luminous landscape.
This year’s edition marks a significant geographical expansion, with illuminated displays scheduled to activate at The Bund Finance Center, Ancient City Park, Middle Fangbang Road, Fuyou Road, and The Bund itself beginning February 1. The festival combines traditional lantern craftsmanship with modern technological innovations and contemporary artistic designs, creating an immersive experience that connects Shanghai’s historical heritage with its futuristic vision.
Visitors can engage with diverse attractions including interactive installations, cultural performances, culinary experiences, and retail offerings. The core thematic inspiration derives from Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas), an ancient Chinese mythological text dating back over two millennia. This mythological foundation provides the creative direction for the festival’s central light installations at Yuyuan Garden, offering a cultural journey through China’s rich mythological traditions.
The expanded festival layout creates a continuous pathway of illumination through Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks, providing both residents and international tourists with a multifaceted experience that blends sightseeing with cultural education and entertainment.